LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

The Alabama Legislature had a busy week, meeting for three session days and holding a full slate of committee meetings on Wednesday. With 21 of the 30 allowed session days now complete, only nine remain, and the final push is underway. So far, 566 bills have been introduced in the House of Representatives, and 325 bills have been introduced in the Senate.

Among the new bills introduced this week are proposals for a single-parent tax credit, several measures related to education and energy infrastructure, and a bill requiring counties and municipalities to publish financial information for greater government transparency. A bill was also introduced to expand the membership of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Three bills related to court costs were introduced this week:

• HB539 – Randolph County: Adds a $50 fee for each map recorded and copied in the probate court.

• HB545 – Escambia County: Establishes new fees in the Escambia County Probate Court, including:

  • $105 to probate a will

  • $105 for administration

  • $65 for name changes and legitimizations

  • $145 for guardianships and conservatorships

  • $125 for adoptions
    (This bill includes a comprehensive list of fees. Please consult the legislation for full details.)

• SB319 – Barbour County: Imposes a $25 court cost on all filings and a $10 fee on all small claims cases, with proceeds directed to the Sheriff’s Office.

Several key bills were heard in judiciary committees this week, including legislation addressing elder exploitation, the Alabama Law Institute’s small estates bill, additional changes to expungement laws, and new regulations on vaping. The Speedy Trial Act advanced out of committee, along with a bill requiring municipal warrants to be reviewed or recalled every five years. A bill providing for the review of certain sentences under the Habitual Felony Offender Act also passed out of committee.

Bills passed by the House this week include the education budget, legislation concerning pharmacy reimbursement benefits, and a health insurance bill. A bill banning cell phones in schools also passed both chambers.

Chief Justice Stewart’s Accountability Courts initiative received final passage and is now headed to Governor Ivey’s desk. This bill would bring drug courts, mental health courts, and veterans courts under a unified structure and provide support for judicial circuits that have not yet established these services.

There are many criminal justice-related bills under consideration. Please refer to the tracking below for a complete list. Any miscellaneous legislation may be found under the civil category.

As always, the Alabama State Bar encourages all members to be aware of legislation that may impact court costs and fees. Access to justice is a priority. Please be aware of advertisements that may be occurring for local bills and those that may already be filed to use the courts as a fundraiser for non-court entities. We encourage you to be informed and notify us as well.

LEGISLATIVE TRACKING

The Alabama State Bar provides legislative status reports concerning pending legislation that may be of interest to our members. The reports divide legislation into the following categories for your convenience: civil/general, court costs, criminal, domestic relations, elections ethics, and government relations (EEGR), judiciary, and tax.

You can find our comprehensive updated bill-tracking spreadsheet here.

Look Up A Specific Bill Here

LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

The 2025 regular session of the Alabama Legislature will continue as follows:

• The Senate has adjourned until Tuesday, Apr. 15 at 2:00 p.m.
• The House has adjourned until Tuesday, Apr. 15 at 1:00 p.m.